Ten Plastic Parks Backed by the Centre Set to Boost Exports and Generate Employment

New Delhi, Dec 24 (NationPress) The Department of Chemicals and Petrochemicals of the Centre has sanctioned 10 Plastic Parks, which are at various stages of implementation across different states, aimed at boosting investment, production, exports, and creating more employment opportunities in the country, as outlined in a year-end review released on Tuesday.

The review also highlights the development of new and safer pesticides by the Institute of Pesticide Formulation Technology (IPFT) and the success of the India Chem 2024 conference.

Under the initiative for establishing plastic parks, the Department encourages the creation of tailored plastic parks equipped with essential infrastructure and shared facilities. The goal is to consolidate and enhance the capabilities of downstream plastic processing industries.

The new petrochemical scheme also encompasses a plan for establishing Centres of Excellence and the Petrochemicals Research & Innovation Commendation Scheme.

Regarding Centres of Excellence (CoEs), the aim is to provide financial assistance to educational and research institutions to advance existing technologies and foster the development of new applications. The focus of the Scheme is on modernizing and upgrading current manufacturing processes as well as enhancing product quality. To date, 18 CoEs have been approved, according to the official statement.

Through the Petrochemicals Research & Innovation Commendation Scheme, the government honors outstanding innovations and inventions in the field of petrochemicals, encompassing products, processes, and other associated areas. This scheme aims to elevate research and development in the petrochemical sector, leading to greater efficiency in energy consumption, improved plastic waste management, and the creation of new products.

Other key achievements highlighted for the year include the development of new and safer insecticides by the Gurugram-based Institute of Pesticide Formulation Technology (IPFT). This includes the insecticide Thiomethoxam and fungicide Hexaconazole combination gel formulation for seed treatment, effectively protecting seeds and seedlings from insects and fungal pathogens.

The IPFT has also introduced a safer and more effective soluble concentrate formulation of the insecticide Monocrotophos. The traditional soluble concentrate poses risks of accidental or intentional poisoning and results in toxic residues in agricultural produce. A safer and more effective formulation has been created with emetics to reduce the risk of poisoning. This formulation comprises a mix of adjuvants to enhance efficacy while allowing for a dose reduction of up to 40 percent, thereby controlling target pests at lower doses and minimizing the risk of toxic residues in crops. This technology has been transferred to industry for commercialization, as per the official statement.

The Imidacloprid nanosuspension formulation with Oleoresin for enhanced effectiveness against whiteflies, and the Nanoemulsion formulation of Emamectin benzoate and Acetamiprid for managing sucking pests have also been developed. The nanoemulsion offers improved pesticide effectiveness, reduced environmental impact, and targeted delivery. This approach promotes sustainable pest management while minimizing the environmental effects of chemical pesticides and ensuring the safety of non-target organisms.

Additionally, formulation development for pest management in seed spices crops, in collaboration with the ICAR-National Research Centre for Seed Spice, Ajmer, is currently underway, according to the statement.

The IPFT is also working to promote the use of botanicals and biopesticides derived from locally sourced plants for controlling various agricultural insects among farmers across India.

The Department of Chemicals and Petrochemicals also hosted the 13th edition of the grand event 'India Chem 2024' in Mumbai. This event is one of the largest exhibitions and conferences for the chemical and petrochemical industries in the Asia-Pacific region, showcasing the vast opportunities within India's rapidly expanding chemical sector and highlighting various government initiatives aimed at fostering sustainable growth.

'India Chem 2024' served as a platform for in-depth discussions among industry leaders and government representatives on topics pertinent to the sector, facilitating dialogue on investment prospects, regulatory frameworks, and strategic challenges. The event featured 172 exhibitors, including 49 international exhibitors, and attracted 78 global CEOs, 135 speakers, and 689 foreign participants.